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The three branches of the Marion County (W.Va.) Public Library System are planning some great activities just for teens during Teen Read Week. Each library will be offering Spooky Story Contests; teens are invited to enter a scary, one- to two-page story for a chance at a gift certificate.

Bedtime Math is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids learn to love math so they can become capable adults. Dedicated to “math and mischief,” Bedtime Math offers families a playful math problem every day, on everything from ninjas to flamingos. These free problems are posted on the Bedtime Math website, on the app (both iPhone and Android), and in a daily email.

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) awarded Kristen Pelfrey, a teacher at Foothill Technology High School, Ventura, California, the 2013 MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens. The award provides $500 to the recipient and $500 to the recipient’s library and is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust.

Want to see more programming-related learning opportunities offered at the 2013 ALA Annual Conference? Here’s your chance to make your voice heard! The Public and Cultural Programs Advisory (PCPAC) Committee has submitted proposals for an Ignite Session and a Conversation Starter to be held in Chicago:

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is launching the 2013 Teen Summer Reading Programs website. As the hub for summer reading and summer learning, the website offers a place to go to exchange information and ideas to help them implement programs for and with teens. The website is funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which also provides grants for summer reading programs.

I love to put on a recycled craft activity, and I’ve offered one for Earth Day for the last four years. It’s amazing what things you can do with junk. It’s also a great way to encourage children to make their own crafts at home with things they find around the house.

The library has long been referred to as the cornerstone of democracy, providing free and equal access to information for all people. Adults across the country know that their library is a go-to resource when it comes to being a well-informed participant in the electoral process. Its resources range from hosting local debates and discussions to acting as polling places and helping patrons register to vote.

The Lunar and Planetary Institute is hosting a FREE NASA-supported training, Explore: Life on Mars?, which will be held in conjunction with the 2012 MPLA/NLA/NEMA Tri-Conference. This two-day training features hands-on activities and supporting resources about NASA’s investigations in the scientific field of astrobiology—the search for indications that Mars may be (or has been) able to support life. Plus, learn about NASA’s latest mission to Mars, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), and the ChemCam instrument onboard the Curiosity rover!

Children’s librarians try hard. They buy the best books, attend the best workshops and conferences, plan and deliver the best story times, read the best and latest professional literature, incorporate best practices. But they may only see a child for thirty to forty-five minutes per week or less. Children’s librarians can model, provide information and tips, and recommend books and activities, but they can’t do it all. They don’t have the concentrated time with the children to work on pre-reading skills that paves the way for brain development in young children.